Properties of electron beam cured reverse mode PDLC films

摘要

In this paper, we present recent electro-optical data of Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal (PDLC) films operating under reverse mode conditions. We consider systems prepared by Polymerization Induced Phase Separation (PIPS) using Electron Beam (EB) curing of acrylate monomers mixed with a low molecular weight liquid crystal (LC). In the present investigation, a low molecular weight LC exhibiting a negative dielectric anisotropy is used yielding electro-optical curves characterized by a transparent initial off-state and an opaque on-state film under the influence of an external field. The results enable us to characterize the sensitivity of electro-optical responses to the functionality of monomers in the precursor mixtures as well as the conditions of film preparation. Data showing the phase behavior of a monomer/LC system are also presented to rationalize the electro-optical results of these interesting but relatively less known materials.